- Developer mode allows you to install apps without going through the Microsoft Store
- Includes tools such as Device Portal and services SSH for remote development
- It can be enabled from Settings or through commands en PowerShell
- Only recommended for users who are actually going to develop applications
If you're starting out with app development or need to run development tests on your computer, you'll probably be interested in learning how to enable Developer Mode in Windows 11. This operating system mode unlocks essential features for any programmer, such as installing apps from external sources, remote system access, and the ability to connect devices for testing via SSH.
In this article, we explain step-by-step how to enable developer mode , its implications, all the features available once activated, and when it's appropriate (or not) to use it. We also cover how to troubleshoot common errors when activating it and which PowerShell commands you can use if you prefer a more technical approach.
What is Windows 11 developer mode?
Developer mode in Windows 11 is a feature that allows users to activate a set of advanced tools designed for software development. Its main advantage is that it removes the restrictions imposed by Windows when installing and testing applications , especially those not from the Microsoft Store.
With this option enabled, you can install APPX or MSIX packages , use the device portal to manage and debug applications on your local network, and activate SSH services that allow you to connect to other devices remotely. It's especially designed for those who use development environments like Visual Studio . If you want to learn more about how to activate other useful features in Windows 11, we recommend consulting our guide on S mode and how to enable it.
Who should enable developer mode?
This feature is not intended for everyday users. If you use your PC for daily tasks such as gaming, browsing, or working with Office, you don't need to activate this mode , and doing so could even pose an unnecessary security risk.
However, if you're developing apps from scratch or need to test them on different devices, then it's highly recommended. It's also useful in educational or testing environments where you need to verify an app's functionality before publishing it . If you'd like to learn how to use other advanced features in Windows 11, you can also check out how to use compatibility mode in Windows 11.
Steps to enable developer mode in Windows 11
Enabling this feature is very simple from Windows Settings. You just need an account with administrator privileges. Follow these instructions:
- Open the Settings app by clicking Windows + I or from the home button.
- Go to Privacy & Security.
- Click on For developers from the side menu.
- Activate the option Developer modeA warning about potential risks will appear. If you agree, click Yes.
- In some cases, you may need to Restart the system to complete the changes.
And that's it. From that moment on, your device will be ready to install apps from outside the store and use advanced developer tools.
Main features of developer mode
Once enabled, developer mode gives you access to a number of options that aren't available in the default Windows settings.
- Installing apps without going through the Microsoft Store: Enables the necessary permissions to run APPX or MSIX packages downloaded from other sites or generated locally.
- Device Portal: Allows you to connect, debug, and monitor the performance of remote devices such as mobile phones, tablets, or even other Windows PCs. If you'd like to learn more about enabling developer features, you can also check out how to enable Developer Mode in Windows 11.
- SSH Services (SSH Server Broker and SSH Server Proxy): useful for implementing projects remotely using encrypted communication.
- Device discovery: Makes the device visible on the local network for pairing and app transfer.
It can also be useful to activate or deactivate different functions according to needs , thus allowing customization that helps reduce security risks.
How to enable developer mode using PowerShell
If you're an advanced user and prefer commands, you can enable this feature directly from PowerShell with administrator privileges.
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock" /t REG_DWORD /f /v "AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense" /d "1"This command sets the Windows registry to enable development mode. You can also allow the installation of unverified applications with this command:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock" /t REG_DWORD /f /v "AllowAllTrustedApps" /d "1"Additionally, you can directly open the developer settings section with:
start ms-settings:developer
Common errors when enabling developer mode
Some users experience issues when trying to enable this option, especially on computers with restrictive policies or in enterprise environments.
One of the most common errors is code 0x80004005, which usually indicates that the system cannot download the required package. To resolve these issues, it is recommended to:
- Check Internet connection.
- Consult with your network administrator in corporate environments to enable downloading to WSUS using the appropriate KBs, such as KB4016509, KB3180030, KB3197985.
- Verify that the system has the necessary features available in Settings → System → Apps & features → Manage optional features.
What does activating this mode mean in terms of security?
Enabling developer mode can open vulnerabilities in the operating system that, in inexperienced hands or without adequate protection, could facilitate the remote execution of malicious code or cause misconfigurations . Therefore, it is recommended to use it only on dedicated development equipment, virtual machines , or test devices.
It's important not to activate it simply out of curiosity, as the mode doesn't offer significant advantages if you're not actively developing or conducting specific tests . If you'd like to explore other useful features, we invite you to visit our article on [topic missing].
If you're a programmer, use Visual Studio, or are testing development environments, Windows 11's developer mode can be an essential tool for optimizing your workflow.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.